Here in California, Adult Protective Services (APS) receives more than 14,000 reports of elder and dependent adult abuse per month, and reports are increasing.

There are an estimated 176,000* cases of reported elder and dependent adult abuse PER YEAR in California. Elder abuse is significantly underreported. For every case known to programs and agencies, 24 are unknown. For financial abuse, only one in 44 cases is known.**

Help the California Association of Area Agencies of Aging and partners around the state to raise awareness about elder and dependent adult abuse. In California, June is Elder and Dependent Abuse Awareness Month. Learn about the different types of abuse, how to recognize them and how to report abuse to the appropriate local agencies.

In an emergency, call 911. To report cases of abuse, whether it is on your own behalf or that of someone you know, please call your counties Adult Protective Services or California State Long-Term Ombudsman. County specific numbers listed below.

Adult Protective Services (APS) responds to reports from individuals, concerned citizens, social service and health providers, and law enforcement representatives about developmental disabled adults, physically and mentally disabled adults, and the elderly who may be physically or financially abused, neglected, or exploited. Upon receipt of a referral, APS sends a social worker to make a home visit or contact the elder or dependent adult.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program investigates elder abuse complaints in long-term care facilities and in residential care facilities for the elderly. The primary responsibility of the program is to investigate and endeavor to resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, individual residents in these facilities, including nursing homes, residential care facilities for the elderly, and assisted living facilities. The goal of the program is to advocate for the rights of all residents in long term care

To report In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provider fraud, call 1(888) 717-8301 or 1(800) 722-0432. To be connected with ElderCare Locator, a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources, call 1(800) 677-1116.

California law mandates that certain individuals report known or suspected incidences of elder or dependent adult abuse. Failure to do so is a crime.

WHO: Persons who are responsible, in whole or part, for care or custody of an elder or dependent adult, whether or not that person receives compensation, are mandated reporters of elder and dependent adult abuse, including: administrators, supervisors, and any licensed staff of a public or private facility that provides care or services for older or dependent adults, or any elder or dependent adult care custodian, health practitioner, or employee of a county adult protective services agency or local law enforcement agency. In addition, all officers and employees of financial institutions are mandated reporters for suspected financial abuse of elders and dependent adults.

WHEN: By telephone immediately, or as soon as practically possible to the appropriate local agency: adult protective services, law enforcement, and/or long term care ombudsman; AND, by written report, California Department of Social Services Form “Report of Suspected Dependent Abuse/Elder Abuse” (SOC 341), sent within two working days.

*California Department of Social Services for Statewide Adult Protective Services

**Under the Radar: New York State Elder Abuse Prevalence Study, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc., Weill Cornell Medical Center of Cornell University, & New York City Department for the Aging. (2011).